Budget fact sheets 2005 - NGO study awards for social work study

The Government is investing $5.4 million over the next four years to help non-government organisation (NGO) workers to undertake part-time study towards a degree level qualification (or equivalent) in social work.

This funding will see 50 study awards offered from September each year for NGOs to support their practising social workers to gain a degree level qualification (or equivalent) in social work, to enable social worker registration. They provide for part time study to be undertaken over a three year period.

The study awards will cover course fees, student support and/or salary, and costs for the employing organisation to backfill the position of the staff member while they are on placement in their final year of study.

Course fees will be paid directly to the training provider and the remainder of the award will be paid direct to the NGO.

Eligibility criteria for the study awards will be developed by the Ministry of Social Development in consultation with providers and the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. Priority is likely to be given to those NGOs that hold government contracts.

There is an ongoing funding commitment of $1.6 million per year in out-years.